"After many prayers and discussions with both my family and my head coach I have come to a final decision," McKenzie wrote.

"At an early age it was instilled in me that in this life nothing will ever be just handed to you, but instead you have to know exactly what you want, and work diligently day in and day out to achieve what you set your eyes out on."

The Crusaders football team won the state Non-Public Group 4 title last season. They open the season Aug. 31 at Grayson in Loganville, Georgia.